Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) - Support Programme for Industrial Innovation (SPII) Product Process Development Scheme

The Support Programme for Industrial Innovation (SPII) is designed to promote technology development in South Africa’s industry, through the provision of financial assistance for the development of innovative products and/or processes. 

SPII is focused specifically on the development phase, which begins at the conclusion of the basic research, and ends at the point when a pre-production prototype has been produced. The development should represent a significant advance in technology and its subsequent production must take place in South Africa. 

The Product Process Development Scheme is designed for small and micro enterprises and individuals. It has a maximum fund limit of R2 million and is non-repayable. 

Allocation of funds is linked to BEE status.

The BEE status of the company applying for the funds dictates the amount of finance that can be provided:

• 0% - 25% BEE shareholding: 50% of qualifying costs can be funded.
  
• 25.1% – 50% black ownership OR >50% ownership by women/people with disabilities: 75% of qualifying costs can be funded.
• More than 50% black ownership: 85% of qualifying costs can be funded.

Eligibility factors

• Development should represent a significant advance in technology.
  
• Development and subsequent production must take place within South Africa.
  
• Intellectual Property must reside in a South African registered company.
  
• Participating businesses must be South African registered enterprises.
  
• Government-funded institutions (e.g. CSIR) do not directly qualify for support but may participate as a subcontractor(s).
  
• No simultaneous applications from the same company.

Application process

Read through the guidelines before submitting your application. Download the application form by selecting the link at the bottom of the page. Submit the completed form by email to Mahlatsi Ndhlovu.